PhD Scientific Days 2026

Poster Session 2.B - Molecular Medicine

Fluvoxamine-mediated Sigma-1 receptor Activation Suppresses TGF-β2 and PDGF-induced Corneal Fibroblast Activation and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling

Előadó neve

Ms. Buzogany, Zsuzsanna

Neptune code

EIMN3I

Előadó munkahelye

Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, Semmelweis University, Budapest

Előadó telefonszáma

06706816603

Előadó e-mail címe

zsuzsi.buzogany@gmail.com

Az előadás címe

Fluvoxamine-mediated Sigma-1 receptor Activation Suppresses TGF-β2 and PDGF-induced Corneal Fibroblast Activation and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling

Szerző(k) neve és munkahelye

Zsuzsanna Buzogany¹, Judit Hodrea¹, Illes Kovacs², Attila J. Szabo¹, Andrea Fekete¹

1: Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, Semmelweis University, Budapest
2: Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest

Bemutatás módja

Szóbeli

Szekció

Poster Session 2.B - Molecular Medicine

Language of the presentation

English

Preferred session

Molecular Medicine

Összefoglaló szövege

Introduction:
Corneal fibrosis, a major cause of vision impairment and blindness in diabetes and external injuries, is driven by TGF-β and PDGF-mediated myofibroblast activation. We previously showed that the Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) agonist fluvoxamine (FLU) reduces fibrotic damage in the trabecular meshwork. S1R’s pharmacological activation represents a promising, yet unexplored therapeutic strategy to mitigate the fibrotic cascade in the corneal stroma.
Aims:
To elucidate the effects of FLU on TGF-β and PDGF-driven fibroblast activation, focusing on proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and the expression profile of key fibrotic markers at both mRNA and protein levels.
Methods:
Primary human corneal fibroblasts were isolated enzymatically and cultured in DMEM:F12 with 10% FBS. Cells were treated with TGF-β2 or PDGF ± FLU (10 µM) for 48–72 h. Viability and proliferation were assessed by MTT/LDH; α-SMA, F-actin, Ki67, and Fibronectin by immunocytochemistry; and Col1A1, FN, CTGF, MMP9, and S1R by qPCR or Western blot.
Results:
FLU and PDGF were non-toxic within the tested concentration ranges. FLU increased S1R expression and reduced α-SMA, Fibronectin, MMP9, Col1A1, and CTGF levels, indicating suppression of fibroblast activation and ECM remodeling.
Conclusion:
FLU attenuates TGF-β2 and PDGF-driven fibroblast activation and promotes S1R expression, supporting its potential as a novel anti-fibrotic candidate in corneal wound healing.
Funding:
OTKA-K135398, LP2021-3/2021, TKP2021-EGA-24, 2023-2.1.2-KDP-2023-00016, STAGE 2024-1.2.3-HU-RIZONT-2024-00056
zsuzsi.buzogany@gmail.com
Semmelweis University
Prof. Fekete Andrea

Oral presentation

University

Semmelweis University

Supervisor

Prof. Fekete Andrea

Publication of my abstract

I give consent to the publication of my abstract on the website of the congress.

phd.section.field

in doctoral studies after complex exam (PhD)

Kind

Szabad

Status

elfogadva

Accepted presentation method

poszter

Előadás fájl jóváhagyás

nem rendelkezett róla

Előadó

9044

Start

19:18

End

19:21